The Intriguing Casting of XO, Kitty: Teens Played by Adults
XO, Kitty has rapidly become a streaming juggernaut for fans of young adult dramas, blending heartwarming romance with the messiness of growing up. Set in the vibrant corridors of the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), the series follows Kitty Song-Covey as she takes on new cultural adventures, friendships, and the turbulence of high school love. But beyond the on-screen drama, a fascinating conversation emerges: how old are these meticulously crafted characters, and how do those ages match up to the actors themselves?
Kitty Song-Covey: Youthful Energy Meets Real-World Experience
The face of the franchise, Anna Cathcart returns as Kitty Song-Covey, the sharp, lovable younger sister from the To All the Boys universe. Kitty, a high school junior just shy of adulthood at 16 to 17 years old, brings relatable intensity to her role as she navigates distance from her family and a long-distance romance. Cathcart herself is far beyond her character’s age, with real-world insights at 22 years old, yet she infuses Kitty with an authenticity that connects deeply with viewers.
Yuri Han: From Rival to Friend and Beyond
One of KISS’s shining stars, Yuri Han, moves from antagonist to ally as the series unfolds. While her character stands at 16 or 17—the quintessential age for YA drama—Gia Kim is an incredible 33 years old. This remarkable gap highlights Kim’s dynamic ability to channel the intensity and uncertainty of teen life, making Yuri’s journey through rivalry, self-discovery, and relationships feel lived-in and heartfelt.
Min-ho Moon: More Than a Pretty Face
Introduced as the charismatic son of an entertainment mogul, Min-ho Moon showcases layers beneath his bravado. On KISS campus, he’s one of the core group at 16-17 years old. Sang Heon Lee, who deftly balances Min-ho’s arrogance and vulnerability, is actually 29. It’s a classic television trick—actors with the maturity to add depth to teen characters, ensuring each emotional beat lands with nuance.
Dae-heon ‘Dae’ Kim: The Boyfriend Straddling Two Worlds
As Kitty’s complicated boyfriend, Dae’s storyline centers on the challenges and sweetness of young love. The character spends most of his screen time as a 16-17-year-old, while Choi Min-yeong is 23, creating just enough age difference to bring extra layers to Dae’s dilemmas without losing his boyish sincerity.
Quincy ‘Q’ Shabazian: The Reliable Best Friend
Every coming-of-age series needs a steadfast confidant, and in Quincy “Q” Shabazian, Anthony Keyvan plays the part with quiet charm. Q is set at the familiar 16-17 years old, but Keyvan is already 25. This age span lets him anchor Q’s loyalty and kindness with believable maturity.
Professor Alex Finnerty Lee: Academic Secrets and Family Ties
Breaking away from the student crowd, Professor Alex Finnerty Lee comes with a complex backstory and family dynamics. Unlike most at KISS, his age is explicit—Alex is 29 within the series, positioning him as a bridge between teen tribulations and adult responsibilities. Actor Peter Thurnwald is 28, nearly matching his character’s age, which adds credibility to his mentorship of the younger cast and propels the plot with grounded gravitas.
Juliana Porter: Emerging as Essential
Juliana Porter becomes far more than Yuri’s love interest as XO, Kitty unfolds, emerging as a central voice among KISS students. While the character is clearly in the junior class at 16 to 17 years old, Regan Aliyah is 26, expertly capturing youthful earnestness while giving Juliana the gravitas that makes her love story so resonant.
Young Moon: Power and Mystery
The arrival of Young Moon—Min-ho’s enigmatic father—brings a new generational aspect to the show. While his exact age isn’t canonically verified, his presence and paternal authority suggest a man in his 50s. Philippe Lee, however, brings this role to life at 62 years old, using his experience to craft a nuanced figure at the heart of XO, Kitty’s parental subplots.
Stella Cho (Esther Shim): Finding Identity Far From Home
Season 2’s new roommate, known first as Stella Cho and then revealed as Esther Shim, brings fresh eyes to KISS as a transfer from Ohio. The character is right in line with her classmates at 16-17, but Audrey Huynh is 20, channeling both naivety and teenage restlessness in a way that ties seamlessly into the show’s blend of cultures and identities.
Jiown Ahn: The Matchmaker With a Secret
A standout support in season two, Jiown Ahn is a college-aged matchmaker whose exact years remain a mystery in the plot. Still, it’s clear she’s intended to be early 20s. Hojo Shin is 32, delivering a layered performance that brings wisdom and mischief to XO, Kitty’s ensemble.
The Age Gaps: A Pop-Culture Tradition
XO, Kitty continues a tradition long-legacied in television—having actors play characters far younger than themselves. This approach consistently generates compelling, multi-dimensional performances that draw viewers into the chaos, awkwardness, and occasional brilliance of youth. It also opens interesting avenues for character growth as the show matures into upcoming seasons, putting both the past and future of the To All the Boys universe in the hands of a cast whose real-life experience enriches their on-screen teenage years.
